Get ready for the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s both incredibly simple and bursting with flavor. This Instant Pot Bacon and Braised Cabbage recipe transforms humble ingredients into a savory masterpiece in just 20 minutes. The magic of the pressure cooker melds the smoky, salty bacon with tender, sweet cabbage, all brought together in a rich beef broth. It’s the perfect, hearty accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork chops, or even as a satisfying low-carb meal on its own. Say goodbye to boring vegetables and hello to your new favorite way to eat cabbage!
Ingredients
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) Beef Broth
• 1 pound (450g) Cabbage, shredded
• 4 large slices Bacon, diced
• ½ tsp (2.5g) Black Pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5g) Salt
• 2 tbsp (28g) Butter
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Select the SAUTÉ function on your Instant Pot. Once the display reads ‘Hot,’ add the diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes wonderfully crispy.
3. Add the butter to the pot with the crispy bacon and its rendered fat, allowing it to melt completely.
4. Turn off the SAUTÉ function. Add the shredded cabbage, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to coat everything in the bacon-butter mixture.
5. Pour the beef broth over the cabbage. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release valve is in the ‘Sealing’ position.
6. Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting and set the timer for 10 minutes on HIGH pressure.
7. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release by moving the steam release valve to the ‘Venting’ position.
8. When the float valve drops, open the lid. Give the cabbage a final stir and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: Calories 220 | Total Fats 9g | Net Carbs 5g | Protein 8g | Fiber 1.2g
Pro Tips
• For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pot after crisping the bacon. Add a splash of the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom before adding the rest of the .
• If you prefer cabbage with more texture, cut it into 1-inch squares instead of shredding it.
• Brighten up the dish by stirring in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar after the pressure cooking is complete.
• Turn this side into a full meal by adding 12 ounces of sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage along with the cabbage before pressure cooking.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this Instant Pot bacon cabbage keto-friendly
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. With only 5g of net carbs per serving, it’s an excellent side dish for a ketogenic diet.
Q: How do I prevent my cabbage from getting mushy in the pressure cooker
A: For a firmer texture, cut the cabbage into 1-inch squares instead of shredding it. It’s also crucial to perform a quick pressure release as soon as the cooking cycle finishes to prevent overcooking.
Q: What can I serve with braised cabbage and bacon
A: This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or steak. You can also turn it into a main course by adding sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage before pressure cooking.
Q: Can I use a different broth in this recipe
A: Absolutely. While beef broth provides a rich, savory flavor, you can easily substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth to suit your preference.
